Former Super Eagles Technical Adviser Jo Bonfrere has thrown his weight behind Emmanuel Amunike to take the helm as the head coach of the Nigerian men’s national team.
Amunike, a former Barcelona winger, boasts an impressive CV both as a player and a coach. He won titles in Egypt, Portugal, and Spain, and notably lifted the AFCON trophy in 1994 and the football gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The ex-Barcelona star has confirmed his application for the role, and with his notable achievements, he is considered one of the favourites to lead the Super Eagles.
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Amunike's Credentials Make Him a Strong Contender
Bonfrere's endorsement of Amunike comes amid the vacancy for the head coach position after the exit of former Sporting Lisbon manager Jose Peseiro, who led Nigeria to a runner-up spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
"The country will have everything to gain if the authorities should appoint Emmanuel Amuneke for the job. I know him very well," Bonfrere expressed his conviction, citing Amunike's impressive track record, as reported by Soccernet.
Bonfrere, who previously coached Nigeria to a second-place finish at the AFCON in 2000, emphasized Amunike's qualities, stating, "He has a very strong mentality. He has the discipline and technical savvy to achieve results."
A Local Coach's Advantage
“Yes, I agree Nigeria needs a local coach at the moment. Not a foreigner,” Bonfrere emphasized.
“If the Federation calls me to provide technical backup to Amuneke, I will gladly accept the task," Bonfrere added, showcasing his readiness to support Amunike if needed.
Having led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and guided the Tanzanian national team to the 2019 AFCON, Amunike's coaching prowess is widely recognized.